Tag Archives: Mt. Rainier National Park

Autumn arrived shortly following the loss of our amazing companion Stan. Stricken with grief that comes from the departure of a dearly beloved, it was no easy task to get up and go…the fact that autumn is a cherished season meant very little at this time.

With much effort, we gathered ourselves and made it to Mt. Rainier, a place Stan got to visit just a few months earlier. Despite the season being near its end, earlier than normal, we were blessed with color and light. We followed a deer path to this wonderful spot. With not very exciting overcast light I set up my medium format camera and composed…and then the heavens opened and a shaft of light graced the scene in front of me, putting a smile on my face.

Forest and pond in autumn, Mt. Rainier NP | Washington

A few weeks later we made a journey to Oregon’s scenic Columbia River Gorge. We had many tough moments and many filled with joy recollecting memories of the area shared together with Stan. With the extreme heat and drought of the year, colors were mostly lacking except for a few tiny pockets. I loved this arrangement of oaks.

Autumn oaks, Rowena region | Oregon

When most autumn places have become a memory, I took a quick trip to Seattle’s wonderful arboretum, despite the rain, to see about capturing the last of the season. I was fortunate enough to make a handful of compositions, and particularly was attracted to this collage of leaves saturated from the rain.

Mt. Rainier National Park is a place close to my heart. I always love spending time exploring the hidden places as well as taking in the vistas available to all visitors. This day happened to fall on Mother’s Day. Heather’s mom was visiting from Ohio and we were blessed to see the Mountain on this fine day…a grand present to us all, but especially to Arlene. And for the first time, Stan got to join us on this adventure since we were not doing any hiking – most national parks don’t like to see dogs on trails, but I’m sure if they met Stan they’d make an exception as he was definitely more than that! Anyways, it was simply a beautiful time for all of us.

Oh, and the following day at Paradise we encountered two foxes, still in their gorgeous winter attire, just lounging in the gently falling drizzle. Stan focused his attention on them while sitting comfortably in the back seat, and exchanged a few words with the foxes. They didn’t really seem to even notice but we had a great time watching them and listening to what Stanny had to say!

By the way, this is a 30 second exposure at the edge of day. I loved the blue and preserved it in my final image. Sure, this will make a great black and white as well, but the blue is what I remember….

Most of the year I had moments during which I told myself it was time to go to Mt. Rainier. I’d get excited but then something would take that spark away and I wouldn’t go. Spring went by, the wildflowers of summer, and the brief brilliance of autumn. Mind you I’m no stranger to the park. I used to go there 10-15 times per year for a good 15 years. Then I stopped. A lot changed for me, around me and in me.

And so for three years I didn’t make a single visit. At times I missed being there and at times I felt helplessly indifferent. But that desire to travel came back and I actually grabbed my camera, some extra clothing, got into my vehicle and drove south to the park. It wasn’t particularly a nice day; heavy overcast with passing rain storms. It looked worse at my destination. But I was ready to go. The closer I was getting the higher my excitement grew. And yeah, I was excited about my excitement!

Ancient forest in the rain, Mt. Rainier NP | Washington

At the entrance gate I knew I messed up for not coming here for so long. I got the annual pass. As I entered the park the drizzle was still coming down, but it was really trying to stop…or so I told myself. I have passed by the above scene a 100 times or more. I looked but didn’t see. This time it took my breath away. It was wet, lush, gorgeous, so much so I had a few tears of absolute joy. I looked for a while before setting up my camera, simply absorbing the scene, while big drips of rain from the branches above fell on me and all around…just perfect.

As I continued through the park, via Longmire, climbing in elevation, the landscape looked so new yet I had witnessed it on so many occasions over the years that it was recognizable. I guess it is like aromas that are familiar to us from childhood, forgotten for years, and once inhaled again feel as new as yesterday.

With the climbing elevation the rain increased to downpour strength. I wasn’t going to see the mountain up close today but that’s just fine, I love the forests for all the various trees, the shrubs, the lakes, the valleys. Heavy rain and fog in Paradise. I was bummed that the park closed the Paradise Valley Road even though the snow had not come and some remnants of autumn still adorned the landscape. I was overjoyed to see some remaining color despite the fact I was here nearly a month past the usual peak.

I stopped at Reflection Lake and set up a couple compositions in a sideways downpour. Maybe not the most romantic thing to be setting up a large camera with one hand and holding an umbrella with the other. But when you love the craft, such things don’t really matter.

Arriving at the western edge of Stevens Canyon the fog thickened and the rain really did stop. In the above photo I loved the shrubby vine maples (among my favorite “trees”) with autumn color and the layers of silent conifers. I filled my lungs with deep and sweet breaths of wet mountain air….

Stevens Canyon with lifting fog, autumn, Mt. Rainier NP | Washington

The fog began to lift and break up revealing secrets of the gorgeous Stevens Canyon. I was thrilled to make another composition. I was able to take in the sight for a few more minutes before the vail of fog returned thicker than ever hiding the glorious landscape…rain began pelting the landscape once again.

The rest of my journey was in the rain. I was filled with peace, however, knowing I had been blessed by God. There was much to be thankful for and much to contemplate.

I have looked at this section of Paradise River at Mt. Rainier National Park a few times in the past. Maybe even made a composition in my film days, but my memory is a bit fuzzy.

This time, a few years since last taking a gander at this spot, I just wanted to refresh my memory as to what the potential of the location was, if any. Immediately I saw the scene in black and white and that got me excited.

I found this huge slab of rock full of character with its fractures. Just as much, it is interesting how the side-strands of water are joining the main section of the “river”.

Today as I look at this image it makes me think of people being called to the river of life, to receive the gift of rest and hope from the fractures we all experience in this earthly life.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

There are always new discoveries to be made, even if we know a place by heart. I don’t remember much else from this particular trip to Mt. Rainier National Park except walking a narrow and overgrown path through a forest of subalpine firs to find a beautiful setting. A quiet landscape of a forest pond surrounded by firs and its shores sprinkled by gorgeous blooming lupine.

Soft sunlight filtered through the trees to add a bit of a sparkle to the scene. The air was still and filled with aromas of summer forest and flowers, sweetened by the sunshine.

I have returned to this spot many times over the years, like visiting an old friend, but it has never been quite as glorious as this time. But I have missed the last couple of years…could it have been so breathtaking then? Perhaps this year God will paint it even more beautiful….